Heather Eldridge
Editorial Assistant

As an Editorial Assistant at CleverHiker, Heather contributes to all aspects of our content creation, including research, analysis, testing, writing, photography, and more. Heather also leads the CH communications department, answering reader questions and building relationships with innovative outdoor brands.

Originally from Oregon, Heather has been exploring the Pacific Northwest since childhood. Heather is an experienced thru-hiker, having completed both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. With a degree in Outdoor Education, Heather spent years encouraging youth to embrace outdoor recreation through various leadership positions. She has also worked as a backpacking guide, rock climbing instructor, and portrait photographer.

Heather takes a balanced approach to backpacking and camping, emphasizing comfort while keeping the weight and cost of her gear in check. Her love of photography is evident in the stunning images she captures on her adventures, which she uses to inspire others to explore the beauty of the natural world. When Heather’s not working, you can find her hiking with her dog in the local forests or obsessing over plants in her garden.

Articles by Heather Eldridge

10 Best Camping Blankets of 2024
A woman and a dog sitting on the Oceas Sherpa Fleece camping blanket in the Alvord Desert with the Steens Mountains in the background

10 Best Camping Blankets of 2024

Author
Stay cozy at camp with our definitive guide to the best blankets for chilly nights under the stars, concerts on the lawn, and warm campfire snuggles.
REI Wonderland Tent Review

REI Wonderland Tent Review

Author
REI’s Wonderland tent is one of our favorite shelters for frontcountry camping because it feels spacious, luxurious, and it’s super user-friendly. We love that it has giant doors and windows all around for airflow. It also has a near-perfect balance of openness for views and privacy for campground settings.
ULA Alpha Knife Review

ULA Alpha Knife Review

Author
The ULA Alpha Knife is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers.
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022

30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022

Author
The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new outdoor gear coming out in 2022/23. We put together this article to share the inside scoop on the new products we’re most stoked to get out on a trail!
Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

Author
We love a good checklist to help us prepare for a trip – even if we’re just going out for a day hike…
10 Best Winter Traction Devices & Crampons for Hiking 2024
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

10 Best Winter Traction Devices & Crampons for Hiking 2024

Author
Don’t let winter’s grip get you down on the ice. Our team of experts has trail-tested the ultimate traction devices to find the most secure and dependable options so you…
7 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2024 & Medical Checklist

7 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2024 & Medical Checklist

Author
We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will help…
5 Best Hydration Bladders of 2024
Waist-down view of a female hiker pulling the Gregory 3D Hydro hydration bladder out of her backpack along a trail

5 Best Hydration Bladders of 2024

Author
Hydration bladders all serve the same basic purpose: convenient hydration on the go. But there are some key differences to look…
How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking Trips

How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking Trips

Author
If you’ve got your sights set on a difficult hike or an epic backpacking trip, it’s smart to prepare your body in the…
Alvord Desert Camping Tips

Alvord Desert Camping Tips

Author
If you’re looking to really, really get away from it all, take a trip to the Alvord Desert. It’s an otherworldly landscape with nearly unparalleled stargazing and plenty of opportunities for rugged R&R.
NEMO Kunai Tent Review

NEMO Kunai Tent Review

Author
The NEMO Kunai is one of the most versatile 4-season tents on the market with the ability to cover all your needs from backpacking to mountaineering.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Author
Long-distance hiking is a beautiful thing, but overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication. We put together this guide to help get you started. Below, you’ll find tips about choosing a start date, buying gear, what to expect on the trail, and so much more.
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